Denver Food Truck Sold Tacos With a ‘Side of Meth,’ AG Says

Colorado officials have indicted nearly 20 people for running a drug ring that allegedly sold and distributed methamphetamine across Denver — including a woman accused of peddling meth out of a taco truck. "The brazenness of this ring was astounding," said Attorney General John Suthers. "For example, customers could literally walk up to a food truck and order a side of meth with their taco."

Juan Carlos Gonzalez, 37, is accused of heading up the Gonzalez Drug Trafficking Organization, according to a release from the state attorney general. Gonzalez allegedly worked with others to import meth and cocaine from Mexico into California for delivery in Colorado. A member of the drug ring, identified by officials as Maria Arellano, 39, is accused of hawking meth out of her taco trailer in the area of 8th Avenue and Federal Boulevard, according to the release.

Another suspect, Oscar Ruvalcaba, 28, is accused of acting as the "load car" driver who hauled the drugs into the state and passed them off to Gonzalez, who would distribute them to his aunts, as well as other ring members, for sale. Authorities said Tuesday they seized 55 pounds of meth from Ruvalcaba's car, including a cache of the drug stored in the floor of a red Mini Cooper. They're calling it one of the largest amounts of meth ever confiscated in a single bust in Colorado. The investigation, named "Operation Cargo," resulted in 15 people being arrested. Two others are being sought on various charges.